Young Sheldon Season 7 Is Running Out Of Time To Fix Its Problematic Story Focus

Warning! Spoilers ahead of Young Sheldon season 7, episode 7.

Young Sheldon season 7 has a big problem when it comes to its storytelling focus, and, unfortunately, it is running out of time to fix it. In its first couple of years, The Big Bang Theory prequel spent a considerable amount of time preserving its connection to its parent show. Granted that it was still creating issues with its micro-continuity, it was clear that Young Sheldon was determined to honor Sheldon’s life in Pasadena by offering explanations for its oddities and quirks. As time went by, however, its focal point shifted, shying away from its The Big Bang Theory tie-ins.

The transformation of Young Sheldon to become a true family comedy-drama took years. Sheldon starting college at East Texas Tech paved the way for this shift as physically separating him from the Coopers allowed the show to develop the rest of the ensemble’s story. Unfortunately, it has come to a point where Sheldon has become irrelevant in Young Sheldon. Still, with the prequel’s end being dictated by his timeline, it needs to go back to its original premise to set up a fitting finale. That said, the writers need to be more conscious of crafting the spinoff’s final episodes.

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Young Sheldon Season 7 Has Been Focused On Georgie & Mandy Spinoff Set-Up

Georgie And Mandy’s Story Has Taken Over Young Sheldon.

Picking up right after the events of the Young Sheldon season 6 finale meant that Sheldon and Mary spent the first few episodes of season 7 in Germany. By the time they got home, they had to re-settle in the newfound dynamic of the family. Mary didn’t take long to acclimate herself, but Sheldon immediately ran back to East Texas Tech, and since then, he hasn’t really participated in any of the ensemble arcs of the show. It doesn’t help that Young Sheldon season 7’s recent episodes have been focused more on Georgie and Mandy’s storyline.

After the snafu with Baby Cece due to Mary and Audrey’s meddling, they got married in a spur-of-the-moment ceremony. In the upcoming Young Sheldon season 7 episode, they move out of the Coopers and into the McAllisters. Throughout this, Sheldon has been cast aside. Granted that he’s had his side quests, but he hasn’t had any compelling personal arc since coming back from Germany aside from Young Sheldon retconning George’s cheating scandal story. Currently, it seems like Young Sheldon is prioritizing setting up Georgie and Mandy’s spinoff rather than properly wrapping up Sheldon’s story and the series as a whole.

Young Sheldon Must Shift Its Focus Back To Sheldon And The Coopers

Georgie And Mandy’s Arc Will Continue After Young Sheldon.

If it was any other year, Young Sheldon season 7 would have been a solid addition to the show’s run. Sadly, since it is ending, its creatives need to be more discerning about which plots must be prioritized. Currently, it feels Georgie and Mandy’s story has taken over the show. As exciting as their romance is, CBS has more time to spend with them since they will be spearheading their own Young Sheldon sequel show. If anything, The Big Bang Theory prequel should go back to its roots as Sheldon’s origins, and by extension, the Coopers’ story.

As Young Sheldon enters its final seven episodes, it’s integral that they center the series on Sheldon’s arc, which includes wrapping up his time in Medford and transitioning his life to his future in Pasadena, California. This will be the final time that the Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady-created universe will have the ability to craft the character’s arc — unless CBS orders another Sheldon show that tackles his earliest years at Caltech.

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While there’s always a chance that he will appear in Georgie and Mandy’s Young Sheldon spinoff, his role will only be as a guest star. The sequel project cannot properly develop his arc beyond the limited time he will be in it. The same can be said for the remaining Coopers such as Mary, Missy, and Meemaw, since George’s death is also near.

What Still Needs To Happen Before Young Sheldon Ends

Young Sheldon Still Has Some Loose Narrative Ends.

Aside from what was established in The Big Bang Theory canon, there are also several lingering plots that Young Sheldon needs to address. Firstly, Paige’s arc has been left in limbo since she and Missy were caught driving to Florida in season 6. It would be great to get a definitive ending for the character, considering that she has been a prominent part of the prequel for years. Secondly, Young Sheldon also needs to give Dr. Sturgis the credit that he deserves, especially after The Big Bang Theory snubbed him. Finally, it should wrap up the Coopers’ overall Medford arc.

Young Sheldon

A spinoff of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, Young Sheldon follows the youth and coming-of-age of Sheldon Cooper during his childhood in Texas as he pursues science and academia. The show also follows his parents, siblings, and Mee-Maw, painting a picture of the world where Sheldon grew up.

Cast

Jim Parsons , Iain Armitage , Annie Potts , Emily Osment

Release Date

September 25, 2017

Seasons

6